Bustling with energetic hooks and an abundance of anthemic choruses, Welsh outfit Honeytalks have burst out of the gates since forming two years ago. Their latest EP, ‘There’s Hope in Hopeless’ thrives in its radiant pop-punk skin and interwoven emo lyricism. Tracks such as ‘Familiar Times’, and ‘Bite Back’ capture the trio’s vibrant style and emotional and optimistic core. Whereas their new single ’21’ focuses on nostalgia and long-term friendships.
With a blend of relatable lyrics, big melodies, a touch of punk rock grit, and sentimentality, there’s a lot to like about Honeytalks. ‘There’s Hope in Hopeless’ is 12 minutes of straightforward pop-punk in its purest form.
As they release a video for ’21’, we caught up with Honeytalks‘ lead vocalist Adam Scott to talk ‘Music by the Numbers’. Adam told us about his musical influences, where he’d like to play, and the all-important tour items that he, bassist Dave Griffiths, and drummer Lauren James, need when out on the road.
One artist/band I couldn’t live without:
Personally, I don’t think I could live without City and Colour. Dallas Green has played a huge part in my life and has taught me how to write sincerely and honestly.
Two people I know that have shaped my passion for music:
My friends and family have had significant influences on shaping my passion for music. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with many friends when I was younger who were into skateboarding and punk rock. My early years skating and listening to music definitely shaped my passion for music, especially punk and rock music. My parents also planted the seed of music when I was little and always had MTV or VH1 on TV. So, pop music was always on in the background. My dad used to write songs and play guitar.
Three songs you wish you’d written:
There are so many to choose from but Bon Iver – ‘Towers’ is such a beautiful song. I’d also pick City and Colour’s ‘Comin’ Home’, Simply for its storytelling ability. Lastly, ‘Adam’s Song’ by blink-182. It captures the context of the lyrics beautifully where both lyrics and music compliment each other and inspire you to feel the song on a deeper level.
Four bands everyone should hear:
Some of our favourite bands we’ve played with are Bombs for Breakfast, Big Drink, Homecoming and Snake Eyes.
Five songs I love:
blink-182 – Feeling This
Grayscale – Say Something
Alien Ant Farm – Movies
Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff
Moose Blood – Honey
(And TONNES more)</i.
Six bands I’m keen to play with:
Playing with blink-182 would be a dream come true for all three of us. They were the soundtrack of our childhood and helped shape the music that we love today. Also, Neck Deep, Bowling For Soup, Paramore, Between You and Me, and Fall Out Boy.
Seven places I’d love to play:
Here in the UK, I’d have to say Slam Dunk Festival, Download, Wembley Arena and Ally Pally! An American tour would be incredible! In the US, it’d be amazing to play So What?! Festival, Sad Summer Fest, and/or When We Were Young Festival.
Eight essential tour items:
Power pack, phone, phone and laptop chargers, bottled water/food/healthy snacks, our Dr. Martens shoes, and my Descendents tank. Lauren (James- drummer) would bring her Adidas pants, and Dave (Griffiths – bass) would definitely pack a kettlebell.
I suppose a power pack is a big essential for us. You tend to use your phone a lot for pictures and videos so it’s always good to have it in case you get caught short! Also, any food as some cities can be pretty expensive and it’s very easy to just eat out all the time.
Nine words to describe my band:
Energetic, perseverant, dedicated, passionate, relatable, down-to-earth, approachable, fun, and catchy!
First and foremost, I would say energetic. We always put on a show wherever we play. Secondly, I would say dynamic. As a three-piece, we rely on each other’s parts massively, so we’re always dipping in and out to keep it interesting. Lastly would be catchy. As I mentioned previously, I grew up with a lot of 90’s pop music like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and George Michael, so I think I’m hardwired to write catchy hooks and lines.
Ten favourite albums of all time:
I know I’m speaking for all of us when I say ‘Enema of the State’ and ‘Take off Your Pants and Jacket’ by blink-182. Those two albums alone really moulded our sound.
We definitely need to throw ‘All Killer No Filler’ in there too by Sum 41 and ‘Riot’ by Paramore.
The other albums I’d pick are:
City and Colour – Sometimes
Fall Out Boy, – From Under the Cork Tree
New Found Glory – New Found Glory
Alkaline Trio – From Here to Infirmary
Don Bronco – Priorities
Lower than Atlantis – World Record
‘There’s Hope in Hopeless’ EP by Honeytalks is available now on Affiant Records.
Find Honeytalks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.X, and Spotify.
